>>5421222
>>Consult your sister, if there's anyone you should be able to trust it's her.

>>5421222
>Consult your sister, if there's anyone you should be able to trust it's her.
Hey peekay

>>5421222
>Consult your sister, if there's anyone you should be able to trust it's her.

>>5421222
>Consult your sister, if there's anyone you should be able to trust it's her.

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>>5421308
What's up, home slice

>>5421245
>>5421308
>>5421355
>>5421531

>Consult your sister, if there's anyone you should be able to trust it's her.
Joannus turns only her eyes to you as you grab her attention.
"Hm...? You're asking me?" Joannus questions, confused. "The Vistana was going to... a lakeside tower, wasn't it?"
Ezmerelda nods, rising from her knees and walking over to her cart with a slight limp. "Da, and I will be moving within the hour, so make your decisions quickly. The lesser sister also mentioned having a duty somewhere Eastward of the town Vallaki."
That's right, the promise you made to the brother of IREENA to see to her safety. You entrusted her to another who said he'd take her some place away from danger... Yet a pit in your stomach forms when you think about it.

"I suppose we can't hide in the Abbey any longer thanks to you. Unless you fancied your first dance with death."
Joannus lets out a single mirthless chuckle, her dull eyes drifting back to the fire. "Maybe you'd prefer death on the road considering how far you've come, wandering in a random direction until our bones are picked clean by the night creatures."

>Accompany Ezmerelda to the lakeside tower
>Set off in search of Ireena
>Wander aimlessly for a way to leave this place
>Write-in

I got busy and had to drop this quest during part 2 or 2.5 and now I am le sad. I hope I'll have time to catch up to the current story soon. You sure know how to spin a yarn, QM.

>>5421540
>Set off in search of Ireena

>>5421540
>>Set off in search of Ireena

>>5421540
>Set off in search of Ireena

>>5421540
>>Wander aimlessly for a way to leave this place

>>5421540
oh shit this is back?
>Set off in search of Ireena

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>>5421623
>>5421711
>>5421744
>>5421854

>Set off in search of Ireena
Ezmerelda puts a hand over her heart and shows you an informal bow, tacking a prosthetic foot against the wood bottom of her wagon as she hops up into it
"Suppose I'll be seeing you two then. Remember girl, you owe me, and I don't forget who's in my debt. Drum bun, amici."

Ezmerelda pulls off as you and Joannus snuff the fire and gather your things from the campsite, coming soon to the road just some minutes off. The long-neglected cobblestones of the path stretch far both to the East and West, trees seeming to leer over head with branches that could snatch you by the throat should the groans on the wind be from their hunger. Your sister lights up a torch and passes it to you, even during the day light is a scarce commodity.
"Vallaki should be East of here. Let's not dally lest we be eaten by a Grue come nightfall."

---

The journey thus far has been filled with something worse than the moans of the undead or even the shrieks of banshees: Awkward silence. Though you and your sister have been reunited, it feels as though you travel with a stranger. One who has been making a conscious effort to only offer the barest of acknowledgements to you as well. It's becoming nigh unbearable as somehow only your boots on stone and the crackling of your torch are the only things that travel along the chill breeze.

>Try to strike up some small talk
>Ask her some of your burning questions
>Continue on in silence
>Write-in

>>5422375
>Try to strike up some small talk

>>5422375
>>Try to strike up some small talk

>>5422375
>>Ask her some of your burning questions

>>5422375
>Continue on in silence

Thanks for taking on this quest peekay, look forward to seeing what you do with it
>>5422375
>Ask her some of your burning questions

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>>5422382
>>5422463
>>5422513
>>5422660
>>5422676

>Try to strike up some small talk
Deciding to break the quiet, you take some tentative verbal steps into the realm of idle chatter. Comments on the weather, small complaints about foot pain, asking about her hobbies...

"Uh huh. Yup."
"It is what it is."
"Don't have any."

...To little progress.

>Ask her some of your burning questions
At the very least, you've done away with the silence and opened the way to more substantial conversation. You've got plenty of questions on your mind about plenty of things, all that's needed now is to choose one and ask it.

>What do you ask?

>>5422679
>What do you ask?
Clear our throat and ask: "So... Strahd, have you seen him? Do you fear him? What has he said to you during your time in this valley?"
(If she answers, if possible, tell her of our own encounter with him, and explain how he told us how to find her)

>>5422679
"So what have you been up to this last few years?"

>>5421222
New quest writer, in the old threads we have an inventory full of items and stats is there any plan to bring those here so we can use them?
>>5422679
ask: "Whats your problem?"

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>>5422681
>>5423019
>>5423049

>So... Strahd
>What have you been up to this last few years?
Her slouch deepens and she lets out a sigh through her nose
"...Of course I've seen him," She begins, "And of course I fear him. All in this valley do with good reason. If you're wiser than you seem, you should fear him too."
Joannus turns her long-wearied eyes to you.
"He tormented me and those I found myself with endlessly for our first few years, taunted us with savage threats and jeers, picked away at us through methods that rent across my heartstrings. But eventually the games, the trickery, the attacks became more and more infrequent, and I was the last one to remain. It was only when I heard tell of another band what came to the valley did they finally cease. I suppose I had become a bore to him, and he had found more entertaining things to play with."

>Whats your problem?
>Tell her of our own encounter with him
"My... problem?"
Her face suddenly twists in anger and frustration, stopping to snatch you by the collar
"You! You are my problem, you blockhead! Every time a new batch of meat for his grinder came through, I prayed that you would not be among them. I prayed until I forgot your name, you face, until the very reason for it escaped me. But I see it was too much to wish for. For you to have the brains not to chase after me and live your life in peace, so that you may never have to meet that thing yourself!"

As you tell her of your own encounter with the devil, Joannus' anger gives way to despair and her face falls.
"...He led you to your death, and eternal prison, and used me to do it. Why did you have to come here, Aranuel..."

She lets you go and turns to continue down the road
>Blame her, you wouldn't be following in her footsteps if Joannus hadn't left to become some travelling mercenary.
>You only wanted to see your sister again. To know she's still alive after ten long years. Is that so wrong?
>Continue on to Vallaki. You have nothing more to say.
>Write-in

>Continue on to Vallaki. You have nothing more to say.

>>5423211
>You only wanted to see your sister again. To know she's still alive after ten long years. Is that so wrong?

>>5423211
>>You only wanted to see your sister again. To know she's still alive after ten long years. Is that so wrong?

>>5423211
>>You only wanted to see your sister again. To know she's still alive after ten long years. Is that so wrong?

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>>5423228
>>5423274
>>5423359
>>5423540

>You only wanted to see your sister again. To know she's still alive after ten long years. Is that so wrong?
"Ten years..." The words leave her lips with a breath of disbelief. Her reality is wholly separate from yours, but when she looks back to your face one of the many severed and disparate threads weave back together. A decade's worth of change flits before her eyes as she notices for the first time that her incorporeal memory of a little sister is standing right in front of her.

Joannus slowly slips off her long, ratty leather gloves before her hands start to rise towards your face, seeming in a daze.
"Can I...?"

>Let her do as she wants
>Step back and ask what's the matter
>Brush her hands away
>Write-in

>Let her do as she wants, but glare at her

>>5424048
>>5424100 +1

>>5424048
>>Let her do as she wants

>>5424048
>Step back and ask what's the matter

>>5424048

>Let her do as she wants

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>>5424100
>>5424257
>>5424295
>>5424390
>>5424402

>Let her do as she wants, but glare at her
Joannus raises her hand and plants it atop your head, lightly ruffling your hair. She smiles as she catches your glare, small and bittersweet
"...Sorry I missed so many birthdays."

>Assert your need for a birthday present as reparations
>Generously declare her birthday debt cleared, you have your gift
>Inform her than you're equally at fault, you've missed her's too.
>Write-in

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Got sick hard yesterday, so post may be a bit infrequent. Hopefully it'll clear up soon!

>>5425924
>>Assert your need for a birthday present as reparations

>>5425925
Get well soon!

>>5425924
>Generously declare her birthday debt cleared, you have your gift

>>5425924
>Generously declare her birthday debt cleared, you have your gift

>>5425925
Have a nice rest!

>>5425924
>Generously declare her birthday debt cleared, you have your gift
oh its a drawquest now

>>5425924
>Assert your need for a birthday present as reparations

>>5425925
Don't catch covid!

>>5425986
Yes, it switched from an autistic D&D 5e mechanical quest to drawquest as part of the unvierse shift when Queen Elizabeth died

>>5425924
>>Inform her than you're equally at fault, you've missed her's too.

Is the original QM here?

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>>5425935
>>5425957
>>5425970
>>5425986
>>5426119
>>5426135

>Generously declare her birthday debt cleared, you have your gift
Your sister chuckles almost imperceptibly. "Have you always been so easy to please?"
She takes her hand from your head and pats the side of your arm, tilting her head down the road.

"...Hope you haven't been so easy with the lads, eh?" Joannus teases, tentatively dipping a foot in the waters of conversation. "You ever met anyone? Back home or on the road?"
She turns on her heel to continue on down the road, walking while you talk.

>[Medicine] You had a doctor in your companionship once who taught you a thing or two on how to keep yourself together. Bandages and stitches can bring two close together.
>[Persuasion] There was a few here and there over the years. One was particularly smitten, as you can be quite charming if you try.
>[Religion] You've travelled with a fellow follower before, but nothing like what she's implying. They taught you much about the divine like a kind mentor
>Never, not even a smidge of romance. Maybe someday, but things aren't looking hopeful...
>You never put much thought into that sort of scene.
>Write-in

>>5429556
>[Religion] You've travelled with a fellow follower before, but nothing like what she's implying. They taught you much about the divine like a kind mentor

>>5429556
>>Never, not even a smidge of romance. Maybe someday, but things aren't looking hopeful...

>>5429556
>>[Medicine] You had a doctor in your companionship once who taught you a thing or two on how to keep yourself together. Bandages and stitches can bring two close together.

>>5429556
>[Religion] You've travelled with a fellow follower before, but nothing like what she's implying. They taught you much about the divine like a kind mentor

>>5429556
>>[Persuasion] There was a few here and there over the years. One was particularly smitten, as you can be quite charming if you try.

>>5429556
>[Medicine] You had a doctor in your companionship once who taught you a thing or two on how to keep yourself together. Bandages and stitches can bring two close together.

>>5429556
>>[Religion] You've travelled with a fellow follower before, but nothing like what she's implying. They taught you much about the divine like a kind mentor

>>5429556
>[Medicine] You had a doctor in your companionship once who taught you a thing or two on how to keep yourself together. Bandages and stitches can bring two close together.

>>5429556
>[Persuasion] There was a few here and there over the years. One was particularly smitten, as you can be quite charming if you try.

>>5429556
>[Persuasion] There was a few here and there over the years. One was particularly smitten, as you can be quite charming if you try.

>>5429556
>[Medicine] You had a doctor in your companionship once who taught you a thing or two on how to keep yourself together. Bandages and stitches can bring two close together.

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>>5429620
>>5429625
>>5429632
>>5429650
>>5429713
>>5429764
>>5429852
>>5429874
>>5429889
>>5429997
>>5430209

>[Medicine] You had a doctor in your companionship once who taught you a thing or two on how to keep yourself together. Bandages and stitches can bring two close together.
"A doctor? Not bad, little sister... I guess we travelled in, ah, different circles. I've scars enough to show the folk I was with opened wounds more than closed them."
Joannus looks over her cut-marked hand before slipping her glove back on. She sets her thumbs in her belt with eyes on the cobbles as the two of you continue.

"Unless he was the sort that didn't abide by that funny oath those types take? What was your little doctor like, eh? I wouldn't have needed to take a lecher's hand off, would I?"

>Often dour with no sense of tact and had humor black as Melancholy. Still, he cared very much for those he treated, even as he chided them like they were his own trouble-loving children.
>Endlessly curious and had a pleasant demeanor, but cared very little for social taboos or even personal space. A researcher at heart, with an intense interest in anatomy and the behaviors of humanoids and otherwise.
>Passionate, idealistic, and had a pacifistic streak a mile and a half long. He took and oath to do no harm and went out of his way to see that all living things would be well, and that all ailments found their cure.
>You'd rather not think of it now. Your mind is foggy and trying to recall makes both your head and your heart ache.
>Write-in

>>5430468
>>Endlessly curious and had a pleasant demeanor, but cared very little for social taboos or even personal space. A researcher at heart, with an intense interest in anatomy and the behaviors of humanoids and otherwise.

>>5430468
>Often dour with no sense of tact and had humor black as Melancholy. Still, he cared very much for those he treated, even as he chided them like they were his own trouble-loving children.

>>5430468
>>Endlessly curious and had a pleasant demeanor, but cared very little for social taboos or even personal space. A researcher at heart, with an intense interest in anatomy and the behaviors of humanoids and otherwise.

>>5430468
>>Passionate, idealistic, and had a pacifistic streak a mile and a half long. He took and oath to do no harm and went out of his way to see that all living things would be well, and that all ailments found their cure.

>>5430468
>Endlessly curious and had a pleasant demeanor, but cared very little for social taboos or even personal space. A researcher at heart, with an intense interest in anatomy and the behaviors of humanoids and otherwise.

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>>5430498
>>5430506
>>5430725
>>5430745
>>5431101

>Endlessly curious and had a pleasant demeanor, but cared very little for social taboos or even personal space. A researcher at heart, with an intense interest in anatomy and the behaviors of humanoids and otherwise.
"Anatomy and behaviors, huh. So that's the sort of thing you're into. I never would've guessed you were the type to play doctor."
Your sister snickers teasingly at your beet-red face and pats you on the shoulder. The hooting of owls and the tittering of leaves on the wind only add to the embarrassment as it seems like the land itself is poking fun at you.

Joannus gives you a reassuring smirk. "Ah, c'mon now, it's a shame he's not here. You had the funniest smile on your face talking about your little friend. I'm a bit jealous, can't think of anyone who'd get me giddy like that."
Now walking properly at your side rather than a bit ahead, she puts her attention solely on you.
"Mind if I ask how it was you got split? Don't have to say if it's a bit... painful."

>Your differences got the best of you for a moment and you decided to part ways. The final stretch of your journey was the loneliest yet, and a feather pin left in your pack made the distance seem infinitely greater.
>He died before your eyes and in your arms along your travels. You tried desperately to heal him but it was too late, leaving you with only his journal full of chickenscratch notes and drawings to remember.
>You were separated during an encounter with a strange beast before you arrived here. The night, or maybe it was the creature itself, swallowed his silhouette and all you've seen of him since is his suture kit.
>You don't want to bring it back up, it might start to rain
>Write-in

>>5431704
>>Your differences got the best of you for a moment and you decided to part ways. The final stretch of your journey was the loneliest yet, and a feather pin left in your pack made the distance seem infinitely greater.

>>5431704
>You were separated during an encounter with a strange beast before you arrived here. The night, or maybe it was the creature itself, swallowed his silhouette and all you've seen of him since is his suture kit.

>>5431704
>>Write-in
"I came looking for you"

>>5431704
>>You don't want to bring it back up, it might start to rain

>>5431704
>Your differences got the best of you for a moment and you decided to part ways. The final stretch of your journey was the loneliest yet, and a feather pin left in your pack made the distance seem infinitely greater.

>>5431704
>>5431714
Changing my vote to support this >>5431730

>>5431704
>You were separated during an encounter with a strange beast before you arrived here. The night, or maybe it was the creature itself, swallowed his silhouette and all you've seen of him since is his suture kit.

>>5431704
>>5431730
>>>Write-in
>"I came looking for you"
+1

>>5431704
>He died before your eyes and in your arms along your travels. You tried desperately to heal him but it was too late, leaving you with only his journal full of chickenscratch notes and drawings to remember.
This reminds me, one of the first decisions made in the quest was that the ONE item we have to remember Joannus by was her old journal, which we used to identify the Vistani wagons and track her down. Next time she's feeling demotivated we should show that to her as a hail mary attempt to remind her of her old adventuring days.

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>>5431707
>>5431714
>>5431730
>>5431741
>>5431940
>>5432003
>>5432665

>"I came looking for you"
"Left him behind to look for me...?" Joannus sighs through her nose, then gives you a light smack on the back of the head!
"What a stupid thing to do! Don't you know you should hold onto people like that? Good-hearted folk and good for your own heart too."

She tsks her teeth. "At least tell me the doctor's-"
"Hold there!" A rider on horseback appears before you some distance on the road, silhouetted against a rolling fog. "My my, what have we here, just a couple of stray pups? It's dangerous to be out, surely you have a kennel to hide yourselves away in?"
Your sister brushes her tattered cloak to the side and grasps the handle of her sword as he gives a mocking chuckle
"Not that it would stop me from finding you." He continues, "You've been invited to a very important event, but have yet to RSVP. Honestly, how rude..."

The rider holds up a few sealed letters, though it's difficult to make out details about them or their holder at this distance
>Ask what event you've been invited to, and by whom
>Ask who the rider is to deride you and your sister
>Share no words, draw your blade instead
>Write-in

>>5434156
>Ask who the rider is to deride you and your sister

>>5434156
>>Ask what event you've been invited to, and by whom

>Ask who the rider is to deride you and your sister
in that order
>Ask what event you've been invited to, and by whom

>>5434156
>Ask what event you've been invited to, and by whom
ah jeez

>>5434292
Supporting

>>5434156
>Ask what event you've been invited to, and by whom

>>5434156
>>Ask who the rider is to deride you and your sister

>>5434292
Support

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>>5434158
>>5434200
>>5434292
>>5434314
>>5434428
>>5434467
>>5434922
>>5435006

>Ask who the rider is to deride you and your sister
>Ask what event you've been invited to, and by whom
"You wish me deign to grant you my name? Hm, I would ask you kiss my boot beforehand, but I'd rather keep them from your filthy mouths for now."
The rider brings his steed forth into your torchlight, illuminating the undead nature of the beast. The Elf upon it's back is deathly pale with hair like silver moonlight and features sly and fox-like. He holds himself with noble bearing, posture impeccable while he looks down his sharp nose at the two of you.
"I am Alaric von Mondtal, Child of the Moon, and I bear invitations from the Count Strahd von Zarovich himself. To his upcoming wedding."

His smile is razor-thin and cuts like a dagger.
"He and his loyal subjects are preparing feverishly, and thus have conjured a great consuming fog about the Caste Ravenloft so none uninvited may disrupt their delicate ceremony."
Alaric leans in, tucking the invitations safely into his coat.
"This is an event I'd assume you wish to attend? After all, you are friends of the bride, are you not. One Ireena Kolyana."

[Insight]
So your suspicions must have been correct, Vasili von Holtz was indeed Strahd in disguise... and you handed Ireena right to him.

>RSVP Yes
>RSVP No
>RSVP Maybe
>Write-in

>>5435830
>>RSVP Yes
Ah damn we fucked up

>>5435830
>RSVP Yes

>>5435830
>RSVP Maybe

>>5435830
>RSVP Yes

>>5435830
>RSVP Maybe
Just waltzing in there is probably a bad idea, as well as saying we'd go but not attending. But outright rejecting the offer is probably the worst thing we could do.

>>5435830
>>RSVP Maybe

>>5435830
I'm changing my vote to
>RSVP Maybe
>Write-in
>Flirt

>>5435830
>Write-in
ask when exactly is the wedding?

>>5436912
+1 to this too

>>5436912
Also this

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>>5435981
>>5436047
>>5436200
>>5436320
>>5436506
>>5436744
>>5436912

>ask when exactly is the wedding?
"Why, when the Count says it will of course. It could be tomorrow, a week from now, next month, next decade even! The wedding will begin when the time is right."

>RSVP Maybe
Alaric frowns in annoyance
"Maybe? What indecisiveness is this. You'll maybe come to the lord of these lands' wedding? Need to check your busy schedule, see how you're feeling?"
The Elf straightens his back and looks down his nose at the two of you

"I understand. You don't think yourselves prepared for such a prestigious occasion. Don't worry, I think you're neither ready nor deserving as well, just look at those rags you're wearing. Therefore, I think I'll hold onto your invitations until you show yourselves worthy to attend!"
His smile returns, voice taking a playful tone as if beginning some game with you
"Perform some tricks that impress me and you'll have your way into the Castle Ravenloft. There's an abundance of opportunities in this valley, I hope you can rub a few braincells together."

>Ask where he suggest you begin, the fog has grown quite thick
>Demand your invitations through Trial by Combat
>Disregard the Elf's proposal and head off to the Castle without an invitation
>[Persuasion] Flirt (Write how flirt)
>Write-in

we need to gather allies and acquire power
>Ask where he suggest you begin, the fog has grown quite thick

>>5437580
>>Ask where he suggest you begin, the fog has grown quite thick

>>5437580
>>Demand your invitations through Trial by Combat
time to beat the shit out of someone

>>5437580
>>[Persuasion] Flirt (Write how flirt)
"Won't you be a gentleman and give we two cute girls the invitations?"

>>5437580
>[Persuasion] Flirt (Write how flirt)
Make a crude comment about his floppy ears

>>5437580
>>[Persuasion] Flirt

>>5437580
>Ask where he suggest you begin, the fog has grown quite thick

>>5437580
>Ask where he suggest you begin, the fog has grown quite thick

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>>5437664
>>5437665
>>5437667
>>5437696
>>5437810
>>5438247
>>5438285
>>5438615

>Ask where he suggest you begin, the fog has grown quite thick
"I suppose it has... it seems the Count's preparations go smoothly thus far."
The moonlight Elf tilts his head down the road to where a fork appears from the obscurity. Two paths, marked by an old, rotting signpost
"You can read, can't you? From here the cobbles lead towards a number of places, yet all roads lead to Castle Ravenloft. I hope you choose a satisfactory path!"

"First, the weavery of an old Tatterdemalion. She were once royal seamstress in the long long ago, her work with needle and thread legendary. However in recent nights she is no more than a maddened patchwork, driven by some avant-garde whimsy or another. Should you be able to get a masterwork from her with all your limbs, or at least your head, intact that would show you have some passing competence. Be warned though, she sews more than fabrics I hear.
And then there's been some trouble from the manor of Sir Marion. He has missed quite a few summons from the Count without a word over these past months, seeming sequestered away like a rodent with his brood. If you'd see what it is that keeps the porcelain rat holed up, well, I wouldn't quite be grateful but it'd be a start. Ah, yes, you should know he's quite the collector of dolls. Take care you don't become one of them, hm?"

>Flirt
[Persuasion]
The quickest way to an Elf's heart is through the ears, right? You pull out your crudest line, making some downright bawdy insinuations about those knife ears of his.

Alaric's expression immediately changes, giving you a glare like daggers into your eyes. Even Joannus seems perturbed by the switch. What's with this killing intent...
"My ears are not floppy."

>Escape to the Porcelain Manor while you can
>Abscond towards the Seamworks of the Tatterdemalion
>[Persuasion] Make your apologies and try another approach with Alaric before heading off
>Write-in

>>5439357
>>[Persuasion] Make your apologies and try another approach with Alaric before heading off

>>5439357
>Write-in
>Say "No, you don't understand, it's cute! There no need to be ashamed of having floppy ears."

>>5439357
>Escape to the Porcelain Manor while you can

>>5439357
>>[Persuasion] Make your apologies and try another approach with Alaric before heading off

>>5439357
>>Abscond towards the Seamworks of the Tatterdemalion

>>5439357
>Escape to the Porcelain Manor while you can

>>5439357
>[Persuasion] Make your apologies and try another approach with Alaric before heading off

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Apologies the long delay, had a wifi outage over here
>>5439359
>>5439373
>>5439538
>>5439649
>>5439739
>>5441303

>Make your apologies and try another approach with Alaric before heading off
>"No, you don't understand, it's cute! There no need to be ashamed of having floppy ears."
[Persuasion]
You've caught him off guard. His words catch before they can leave his mouth, his face one of disbelief.
"A...Ashamed? Rein in your tongue before I cut it off. I shall be watching your progress, now away with you lest I decide to sic the men-hounds for a bit of motivation!"
Alaric sneers and scrunches up his nose, turning his steeds face as the fog consumes them. By the edge of the torchlight you can catch him putting a hand to an ear and muttering something, the bared hint of a blue blush on the pale skin.

"...You called him cute?" Your sister says after a moment.

>Escape to the Porcelain Manor while you can
You and Joannus set off down the fork leading to the manor of Sir Marion, the fog lifting some as your journey down the old and decrepit road.

---

The first thing you notice on your approach to the village that surrounds the manor are the drones and moans of hurdy-gurdies and accordions. The inhabitants step and spin in match with the rhythm as they go about their business, though their faces show utter neutrality to the act. The song is merely a fact of life.
Joannus rests a hand on her sword's hilt and gestures with her chin towards a few old papers nailed to a wooden post just before the village proper. Taking one, she reads it aloud.

"Here rests our village of Totentantz, kept and seen over by our ever-just Sir Marion the Doll-Eyed. Join in our dance and sing with our tune, for it's the obedient dolls who our lord does favor and the unruly who get the strings."

She crumples the worn page and tosses it aside, turning her head to you.
"Looks like we'll have to get through this little festival if we want to reach the lord himself. Any ideas?"

>Step into the village with no heed to the music or the dance, you've got no time for games
>[Performance] Join the dance, though you aren't much of a dancer yourself
>[Stealth] Sneak your way though the village, hoping that the music is enough to mask your clumsy steps and chinking chain mail
>Write-in

>>5442888
When in Rome
>[Performance] Join the dance, though you aren't much of a dancer yourself

>>5442888
>>[Performance] Join the dance, though you aren't much of a dancer yourself

>>5442888
>>[Performance] Join the dance, though you aren't much of a dancer yourself

>>5442888
>>[Performance] Join the dance, though you aren't much of a dancer yourself

>>5442888
>>[Performance] Join the dance, though you aren't much of a dancer yourself

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>>5443069
>>5443103
>>5443159
>>5443887
>>5444011

>Join the dance, though you aren't much of a dancer yourself
[Performance]
Neither you nor Joannus have ever taken the time to truly learn dance, and it shows as the both of you awkwardly try to match the slow rhythm of the song with stiff and graceless movements. Thank goodness you aren't trying to impress anyone, or worse, dance with someone else.

The residents of Totentanz all turn their attention to the two of you whenever you go by, whispering among each other with expressions of confusion and fear. The further you venture the louder the music becomes and is soon accompanied by the melodic voice of a woman, singing in a language you don't understand. It seems to be coming from where you'd assume would be the village square, still some rows of stone-walled huts away.
You could likely skirt around it using some back ways as well if you wished, heading for the gated walls of the manor proper. The villagers seem to keep well enough away from that direction.

Your sister grumbles at the situation, likely feeling as silly as you both look.
"Everyone's staring, and I have a feeling it's not just because we're outsiders..."

>Seek the village square and the source of the music
>Dance around towards the manor gate and seek entrance
>Investigate around Totentanz a bit more, you can never have too much information
>Write-in

>>5444550
>>Investigate around Totentanz a bit more, you can never have too much information
try to see if we can find someone wiling to talk to us.

>>5444550
An animated gif? By Kossuth, this thread is a treat.
>Dance around towards the manor gate and seek entrance
We needn't overstay our welcome... I say we see why this "Sir Marion" won't attend the wedding, bribe him if we have to, and get out of dodge before something bad happens.

>>5444550
>>Seek the village square and the source of the music

>>5444550
>>Investigate around Totentanz a bit more, you can never have too much information

>>5444550
>>Seek the village square and the source of the music

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>>5444587
>>5444668
>>5444670
>>5445394
>>5445513

>Seek the village square and the source of the music
Peeking around the corner of a building you see what at first you believe to be a massive statue of some sort, only this one is moving and made of porcelain. It's a veritable one-man-band with a host of arms holding various instruments. More are built into the thing's body, a hand turning the crank of a hurdy-gurdy built into its back. Circled around the thing and more of the residents, arms locked and singing along to the tune. Some leave only for new people to take their place every so often, seeing that there is never an end to the performance.

>Investigate around Totentanz a bit more, you can never have too much information
>try to see if we can find someone wiling to talk to us.
The villagers keep their distance from the both of you, hurrying along to avoid your approach. Through the window of a general store however you spot someone who couldn't avoid you if they tried, the owner. Their large hunched figure is trying desperately to duck behind the counter and avoid your gaze, to little success. It isn't until you enter that they sigh and rise to face you.
"A...Ahh... Outsiders, welcome." Her voice is smooth and low, marred only by the echo of it coming from much further down her throat than any normal person. "No need to dance in here, wouldn't want to jostle your goods..."
Joannus seems relieved to be away from the eyes of the Totentanzer for a short moment, only to be put on edge again by the array of doll's limbs hung and scattered about among the more normal goods, as well as upon the merchant's own body.

"Is... Is there something I can help you with...? Wares you need, perhaps...? Or limbs..."
>Inquire about the sequestered Sir Marion
>Ask about the great musical doll in the village square
>Peruse her stock for anything that might catch your eye
>Write-in

>>5446037
>>Peruse her stock for anything that might catch your eye

>>5446037
>Write-in
SEX!

>>5446037
>>Peruse her stock for anything that might catch your eye

>>5446037
>>Ask about the great musical doll in the village square

>>5446037
>>Peruse her stock for anything that might catch your eye

>>5446037
>>Inquire about the sequestered Sir Marion

>>5446037
>Write-in
>Ask about the great musical doll in the village square
then
>Peruse her stock for anything that might catch your eye

>>5446037
>Inquire about the sequestered Sir Marion
>Ask about the great musical doll in the village square
>Peruse her stock for anything that might catch your eye

>>5446037
>>Inquire about the sequestered Sir Marion

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>>5446038
>>5446070
>>5446123
>>5446158
>>5446280
>>5446314
>>5446353
>>5447204
>>5447225

>Inquire about the sequestered Sir Marion
"A-Ah... Lord Marion? It's true he hasn't been out of the manor in some time, and what's more his guard has increased some tenfold! For what keeps him there I haven't a clue, but there's whispers that at night, when the song draws long and slow... every sting is the sound of someone being stolen away in the dark."
She leans her amalgamated body forwards, the sounds of clicks and groans coming from under her sheet robes
"I'd like to see them try that to me though. These eyes see everything, and these limbs aren't for show."

>Ask about the great musical doll in the village square
"The music-maker, yes... It is Doll-Eyed Marion's authority given form. Any who don't dance to its tune aren't dancing as puppets should. Poor puppets need sturdier strings. And sturdy strings are what bind his most loyal of attendants. Though they're little more than toys once the strings wring the soul out of them."
She reaches a porcelain finger out until it's just a few inches from your face, ringing the small bell that hangs off of it.
"Take care you don't find yourself becoming one of his dolls. I can only snatch up so many wandering puppets, and a pretty one like you would surely be kept close..."

>Peruse her stock for anything that might catch your eye
"Ahhh! So you want to see what I have after all? Very well, I may have something that strikes your fancy. All locally sourced, hehehh..."
She waves her many appendages out wide, gesturing to the whole shop. There are many, many different limbs on display, some you're not sure are even close to human in shape. You may be able to make use of them given how sturdy and modifiable they look, though it would likely mean taking off some of your own dear flesh.
Just as well, there seems to be a wide variety of adventuring gear as well. Tents, rucksacks, ball bearings, rope, even some rations and wineskins. They all seem quite well used, likely second hand, and some items bear ominous stains. A trio of glass bottles in particular catch your eye as you can feel that they're filled with holy water!
Not only are there travelling goods, but arms and armor as well, all likely once belonging to someone who came before you. As you look over the worn metal and leather, one helmet screams at you with recognition. Shaped like the head of some silly-looking canine beast, this is without a doubt the helm that belonged to your doctor. How it ended up here however you haven't the faintest clue.

>Ask about getting a porcelain prosthetic
>Pick up the flasks of holy water for purchase
>Grab the doctor's helm and bring it to the counter

>>5448409
>>Pick up the flasks of holy water for purchase

>>5448409
>Grab the doctor's helm and bring it to the counter

>>5448409
The porcelain prosthetics are very tempting. Could always use an extra pair of hands.

>>5448409
>Grab the doctor's helm and bring it to the counter
>Ask about getting a porcelain prosthetic

>>5448409
>Grab the doctor's helm and bring it to the counter

>>5448409
>>Grab the doctor's helm and bring it to the counter

>>5448409
>>Pick up the flasks of holy water for purchase
>>Grab the doctor's helm and bring it to the counter

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>>5448459
>>5448597
>>5448611
>>5448617
>>5448664
>>5448922
>>5449004

>Pick up the flasks of holy water for purchase
>Grab the doctor's helm and bring it to the counter
The bundle of porcelain bodies eyes over the bottles, nodding with an understanding grin.
"Belonged to a holy man if I recall... though not one like yourself. More fond of ahm, whips and chains, dressed in exposing furs and pelts... Now that I've given it some thought, perhaps he was simply some pervert. Twenty-five gold for a bottle, or sixty-five for all three!"
her understanding falters a little once she turns her attention to the helmet. It's scuffed, dented, and it looks like the bottom jaw is about to fall off at any moment. Even Joannus looks skeptical about the purchase
"You want... this one? Hnn... Headwear like this usually goes for about ten pieces, but in this condition I suppose can settle for five..."

With the prices heard you open up your coinpurse to take out the coins... only to find you're short. Extremely so. Four yellows, six whites, and five of the orangey ones are all you have.

>Ask Joannus for some help with the bill. Isn't that what sisters are for?
>See what you can bargain with in your pack. Surely you have something she doesn't already in abundance.
>Maybe there's another way you could pay, solving a problem maybe?
>Write-in

>>5449161
>>Ask Joannus for some help with the bill. Isn't that what sisters are for?

>>5449161
>>Maybe there's another way you could pay, solving a problem maybe?

>>5449161
>>Ask Joannus for some help with the bill. Isn't that what sisters are for?

She's broke too isn't she?

>>5449161
>>Write-in
Just take the helm

>>5449161
>Ask Joannus for some help with the bill. Isn't that what sisters are for?

>>5449161
>>See what you can bargain with in your pack. Surely you have something she doesn't already in abundance.
Maybe she'll take something for our pair of Manacles? They seem to fit the ideals of this town. Or maybe our Caltrops (20).
I doubt she has enough to pay for our Scroll of Heroes' Feast, we could probably buy out her whole store with that if she knew what it could do.

Or:
>Write-in
Try to ask her where she got the helm (while giving a poker face and trying to conceal our relationship to it)

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>>5449237
>>5449286
>>5449697
>>5450197
>>5450591
>>5450657
>>5450665

>Try to ask her where she got the helm (while giving a poker face and trying to conceal our relationship to it)
The amalgam of arms, heads, fingers and other what have you taps her many digits together in a wave of tacking upon each pair of porcelain fingertips.
"Hmm... a doctor, I believe. For humans, not dolls. Was looking for someone before he was caught and dragged into the depths of the manor. Likely part of one of the lord's doll masses now, why do you ask?"

>Ask Joannus for some help with the bill. Isn't that what sisters are for?
"You really want that piece of junk?" Joannus asks, brow raised. Seeing some look in your eyes however, she sighs through her nose and pulls out her coin pouch. After staring into it for what seems like a full minute, she produces a single gold piece and hands it to you.
"...What a state we're in."

The merchant looks between the both of you with a face of pity
"Goodness gracious..."

>Now that you have five whole pieces, buy the helm
>See if you can pinch out a bit more gossip about the poor doctor
>Leave without buying anything, you can get by
>Write-in

>>5452633
>>See if you can pinch out a bit more gossip about the poor doctor

>>5452633
>>Now that you have five whole pieces, buy the helm
>>See if you can pinch out a bit more gossip about the poor doctor

>>5452633
>>>Now that you have five whole pieces, buy the helm
>>>See if you can pinch out a bit more gossip about the poor docto

>>5452633
>>Leave without buying anything, you can get by

>>5452633
>See if you can pinch out a bit more gossip about the poor doctor

>>5452633
>>Now that you have five whole pieces, buy the helm
We've pushed our luck enough.

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>>5452670
>>5452744
>>5452796
>>5453986
>>5454031
>>5454307

>Now that you have five whole pieces, buy the helm
Placing down the five shiny golds, the doll merchant swipes them off the counter and spirits them away to places unknown. You may be poor now, but if simple farm folk can get by almost never seeing a gold piece in their lives, surely you can too.
Looking over the helmet you find that it's expectedly a bit big for your noggin, as your doctor was somewhat larger than you, but with some padding could be worn. Whether it'd be a good idea is another matter. The bottom jaw is both simultaneously stuck in its shut position as well as seeming like it's about to fall off. It's a bit of a sad sight, but though dirtied and damaged, the plumage is still colored with fine red hope.

>See if you can pinch out a bit more gossip about the poor doctor
The merchant's heads tilt further at you, tangling her fingers together.
"More? I didn't know him personally, only when he passed through my humble store... He seemed rather confused about where he was, but was eager to show that he had already collected quite a few pages of er... anatomy on his journey. Offered to pay me for a gander at myself as well..."
"I could smell it, a strong will he had, strong hope not easily bound. If his flesh is dead, I'd bet on his spirit still lingering somewhere, looking for that girl with the..."
Her eye widens, then returns to an amicable look
"Ahh... so that's why. I should have charged you more. A shame, but the show must go on. Life is a cabaret of sorts after all."

>Head for the manor, it's time to seek out Sir Marion
>Investigate the musical doll in the village square more closely
>Search around elsewhere in the village, perhaps there's more to see
>Write-in

>>5454710
>>Head for the manor, it's time to seek out Sir Marion

>>5454710
>>Search around elsewhere in the village, perhaps there's more to see

>>5454710
>Investigate the musical doll in the village square more closely

>>5454710
>>Head for the manor, it's time to seek out Sir Marion

>>5454710
>>Investigate the musical doll in the village square more closely

>>5454710
>>Search around elsewhere in the village, perhaps there's more to see

>>5454710
>>Investigate the musical doll in the village square more closely

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>>5454790
>>5455122
>>5455896
>>5455967
>>5456227
>>5456493
>>5458026

>Investigate the musical doll in the village square more closely
With helm in hand and your coinpurses turned out, you and Joannus head back out into the music-filled streets. The merchant waves her many appendages after you, offering a "Come back soon, alive or less so..." and a dubious chuckle.

Returning to the village square you find it as it was. Villagers continue to dance around the massive beast with hands held, circling around as the smorgasbord of instruments that act as a twisted orchestra. The sing together in a language you don't understand, the rest going about their days as if it isn't there at all.
Joannus cringes in disgust as you get closer to the band, closing her eyes as the music reverberates through your bodies.

"What... in the Hells are we getting so close for? I can feel that whine in my teeth."

>Wait for an opening and join in on the circle
>Stop dancing and try to disrupt the music
>Leave the thing be and head elsewhere (Write where)
>Write-in

>>5460152
>>Wait for an opening and join in on the circle

Nice artwork btw

>>5460152
damn this guy looks cool as hell
Use perception to see if the villagers are sound of mind. I think they might be controlled.

>>5460152
>>Wait for an opening and join in on the circle
That thing looks scary

>>5460152
>>Leave the thing be and head elsewhere (Write where)
Manor

>>5460152
>>Wait for an opening and join in on the circle

>>5460152
>>Stop dancing and try to disrupt the music

>>5460152
>>Wait for an opening and join in on the circle

>>5460152
>Leave the thing be and head elsewhere (Write where)
Manor

>>5460152
>Wait for an opening and join in on the circle

>>5460152
>Leave the thing be and head elsewhere (Write where)
>Manor
I have a bad feeling about getting to close to that thing.

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>>5460190
>>5460204
>>5460383
>>5460536
>>5461007
>>5461060
>>5461970
>>5462144
>>5462357
>>5462912

>Wait for an opening and join in on the circle
Once a villager breaks away from the circle, you take their place and grasp the hands of the dancers. Joannus looks on in shock as you revolve around the grotesque thing in front of you, momentarily losing her step.

The creature before you is twisted and deformed in ways that pay only lip service to humanity. It's haunting melody groans out like a swarm of wasps from the husk-hive of it's body. Looking to those at your sides, you notice that the singing isn't actually coming from their mouths, moving only with barely perceptible mumbling that counts down until they can part from the dance, but instead echoes deep, deep from within the gramophone maw of the statue. At your height, you can peer only enough in to see that it stretches miles back, with the dim shine of molars highlighting it's path. As if it has caught you staring, the one eye that remains beneath the visor catches your own, peering at you with an unspoken emotion.

[Insight]
It's pain. This is the eye of something trapped inside it's own body. It does not move its own hands and it does not sing its own words. It is alive, but it cannot live. It has no mouth and it must scream.

>Put your hand in its mouth
>Try to pull the villagers away from the doll
>Break away from the dance and go elsewhere
>Write-in

>>5462970
>>Put your hand in its mouth

>>5462970
>Try to pull the villagers away from the doll
Yeah, no thanks.

>>5462970
>>Try to pull the villagers away from the doll
Really scary pictures!

>>5462970
>Put your hand in its mouth

>>5462970
>>Break away from the dance and go elsewhere

>>5462970
>>Try to pull the villagers away from the doll

Get the fuck away from that tortured thing

>>5462970
>Put your hand in its mouth

>>5462970
>>Try to pull the villagers away from the doll

>>5462970
>>Try to pull the villagers away from the doll

>>5462970
>>Break away from the dance and go elsewhere

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>>5463001
>>5463003
>>5463036
>>5463323
>>5463912
>>5464310
>>5465060
>>5465134
>>5465962
>>5466106

>Try to pull the villagers away from the doll
You reel back in terror from the gaze and visage of the monstrosity, a yelp escaping your throat as you grip tightly the hands of the villagers next to you. Your legs start to drag you backwards and away from the twisted thing, bringing the circle that surrounds it with you to much protest. They speak hurriedly at you in that coarse tongue of theirs while those on the opposite side who are pulled into the creature scream in fright. Fear starts to spread among their faces as you try to get them, and yourself, away from the source of the music, the dance now disrupted.

"Aranuel!" Joannus calls from behind you, outside of the circle. "It's... It's getting up! We have to go, now!"
True to her words, the one doll band shifts with an accompaniment of whirrs and clicks to complement the score. An array of long, multi-jointed legs creep out from the underside of the creature and raise it's already oppressive height to cast a towering shadow over you. The villagers, seeing the great beast rise, start to break away from the circle and flee the town square in a panic.

>Flee with Joannus away from the vile thing
>Get a hold of your fear and stand against the goliath
>Freeze and let terror consume you
>Write-in

>>5467120
>Get a hold of your fear and stand against the goliath

>>5467120
>>Get a hold of your fear and stand against the goliath

>>5467120
>>Flee with Joannus away from the vile thing

>>5467120
>>Get a hold of your fear and stand against the goliath

>>5467120
>>Get a hold of your fear and stand against the goliath

>>5467120
>>Flee with Joannus away from the vile thing

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>>5467150
>>5467198
>>5467360
>>5468000
>>5468418
>>5469863

>Get a hold of your fear and stand against the goliath
Fear is an ever-present shade in these lands. It follows you in the shadowy night, it watches you through others' eyes, and the beasts that would crush your spirit feed on its very scent. It is all consuming, inevitable, and you will succumb to it in time.

Or so it would have you believe.

You steady your shaking hands on the grip of your longsword, the blade glinting in the lamplight strung about the square. Though horror and death tower over you, it is through facing your fear and holding onto hope that you can overcome the forces of darkness. You crumpled under terror once before and it took your life, but this time will be different.

"A-Aranuel, what are you thinking?! We can't face something like that with a whole band, let alone by ourselves! It's..."
Joannus however looks up at the beast with fearful eyes, having long since learned the futility of fighting against the night over a decade of spirit-crushing torment. She takes a wobbling step back, clear that the only thing keeping her from running is your presence.
"It's too horrible..."

>Call for your sister to fight with you. You need her to have courage
>Face the great doll alone. You have your arms, a purpose, and the will to fight back
>Take hold of the seal dangling at your belt and recall the gifts bestowed upon you by your god
>Write-in

>>5470560
>Take hold of the seal dangling at your belt and recall the gifts bestowed upon you by your god
incinerate

>>5470560
>>Take hold of the seal dangling at your belt and recall the gifts bestowed upon you by your god

Two people probably wont be enough either

>>5470570
+1

>>5470560
>>Take hold of the seal dangling at your belt and recall the gifts bestowed upon you by your god

>>5470570
Supporting

>>5470570
Support ++

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>>5470570
>>5470590
>>5470628
>>5470940
>>5471233
>>5472001

>Take hold of the seal dangling at your belt and recall the gifts bestowed upon you by your god
It's a simple seal bearing a simple flame for a simple novice disciple. Still you pull the leather cord from your belt and wrap it around your fist, bringing the symbol close to your heart as you feel the fire of your god Kossuth, Lord of Flames, burn in your chest. It spurs you onwards, the warm glow pushing back whatever darkness had sunk its teeth into your spirit as you face insurmountable odds.

>Call upon the burning powers of Kossuth [Choose a spell]
>Strike forth with your blade and spirit, both of the same steel
>Give the great doll the first strike
>Write-in

Since it's page 10, I'll put up a new thread and carry the votes here over to it

>>5473041
>>Call upon the burning powers of Kossuth [Choose a spell]
Great Ball of Fire

>>5473041
>Call upon the burning powers of Kossuth [Choose a spell]
Flame take thee

>>5473071
Support

>>5473041
>>Call upon the burning powers of Kossuth [Choose a spell]

Flame take thee

>>5473041
>Call upon the burning powers of Kossuth [Choose a spell]
>Great Ball of Fire

>>5473041
>>Call upon the burning powers of Kossuth [Choose a spell]
>>Great Ball of Fire

>>5473041
>>Call upon the burning powers of Kossuth [Choose a spell]
>Flame Take Thee